Finals are almost upon us, and with them the end of my reading for the semester. Not that I'm complaining. Spending three hours reading isn't exactly my ideal Friday night. I'm an English major, so I read well over 20 books this semester. Some were wonderful pieces of literature, and others were just boring. Here is my list of the best and worst books I read for class this year.
Best
1. "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison-This book was so beautifully written that I wanted it to keep going. I've attempted reading Morrison before, picking up "Beloved" over the summer, but never finishing it. With "The Bluest Eye," I never wanted to put it down.
Who hasn't ever wanted to change an aspect of their appearance? That problem is at the center of the novel, as the main character Pecola wants blue eyes. She thinks she can only be beautiful if she's white. The hatred she has for herself is so heartbreaking, especially when you watched a video in lecture (yes, when I was finishing the book) about how 60 percent of girls aged eight to twelve have tried to lose weight. Society is screwed up.
2. "Native Son" by Richard Wright-This is a novel that is deeply disturbing, but memorable due to its haunting portrayal of a young African American man in the slums of Chicago. Following a series of violent events centering on race relations in the early 20th century, the novel is horrifying, but also such a great read. I spent every page wondering what he was going to do next. Plus I legitimately had nightmares after reading particular graphic and violent scenes.
3. "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer-It may be medieval literature, but the tales are actually funny. In one, a suitor ends up getting branded on the ass with a hot poker. Personally, the best is when Chaucer writes "Blessed be your pants and your balls." Yes, that is paraphrased, but yes, he really said the same thing in Middle English. My new greeting? I think so.
Worst
1. "Dutchman" by Amiri Baraka-Surrealism isn't really my thing, and that is exactly what this play is. It's just plain weird. The girl in the play, Lula, seems like she "smoked up her grass skirt," to quote the only other speaking role. She keeps trying to get with him and tells him she wants to rub bellies. Who the hell says that?
And the ending. Okay...that's the end? You can't just leave me without any answers like that!
2. "The Book of John Mandeville"-The author of this book is unknown, and I'd say that's to his benefit. Otherwise students everywhere would be defacing his grave for writing the rambling work that their professors make them read.
There's just way too much stuff crammed into this book. He's supposed to be writing about his travels but throws in all kinds of Greek mythology and Bible stories. The best part? He never even traveled. Dude's just a liar. Okay, Professor, is that what I'm supposed to do for my final papers?
3. "Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel Defoe-So very boring. Guy ends up on a deserted island, all alone. For 28 years. Wow, how thrilling! I get to read for 40 pages about how he built his home and raised goats. There's also the whole thing where Defoe writes what Crusoe did in the book, then inserts his journal that says the exact same thing in different words. I have to hear about the goats twice? Not cool, Defoe, not cool.
He talks about God all the time. It's not a bad thing in and of itself, but Crusoe seems so fake. He curses God when things go wrong and is all "Yay, God!" when his goats are doing well. Crusoe just needs to make up his mind and stick with it. Don't be a poser.
The only good part was when he ended up with a human companion, Friday, whom he basically turns into his slave. Finally, some actual conversation. Another person on the island makes the book infinitely better, but it's still not my idea of a fun read.
Assigned reading can be very hit or miss. Why can't everything be as good as "The Great Gatsby" and a lot less like "Wuthering Heights"? As much as I liked some of the books I read this year, I'm looking forward to winter break and picking up whatever I feel like reading, even if it's trashy chick lit or children's books. Let's go, "Chronicles of Narnia" and "Confessions of a Shopaholic." A girl needs a break.
Glad the semester is over? Struggling through that last book and just want to give it up? At least you don't have to read "Robinson Crusoe" or "Dutchman," right? Let Sara know what you're struggling with at slschumache2@wisc.edu.
